Counter tops- difference between marble, granite and quartz?

https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/how-to/a3080/how-to-choose-the-right-countertop/

Here is a comparison I found in google. Marble has become popular in kitchens I guess due to appearance but it stains Easily. I recently got light/white background granite installed and to me it stains easily too. Bottle of windex squirted a few drops when I set it down after using and viola 3 blue dots. Coffee maker leaked underneath and when I moved it a stain was left of its shape. I scrubbed each with baking soda and now barely noticeable. Wishing for a darker color about now. https://www.greatlakesgm.com/education/stone-countertop-comparisons/

Some info on leather finish. Good luck!

https://pacificshorestones.com/stone-trends-polished-honed-or-leathered-finish/

Hi Karen,

Marble, granite and quartz are different types of stone that are popular for countertops. I wanted to address your interest in the leather look though. I have the leather look countertops and I wish I didn't have them. I was told some of these issues before I got them, but they were "in" and I liked the look so I figured I could live with them. Truthfully, they are a pain. First and most important to me, they have grooves in them that make them look like leather. (BTW, they are vinyl crafted to look like leather and they were very expensive at the time I ordered them) Those grooves attract dirt and dust and over time become harder and harder to clean. After some years of not having success getting a clean countertop, I broke down and tried bleach. That helped with the look, but it affected the countertop itself. After that, while I could get them looking clean, they lost their shine and their good look. Be very careful if you want to go with the leather look. Ask about how they will wear, how to clean in the grooves and how they will look in 10 years or more, depending on how long you want to go before you replace them. This is just my opinion, of course. Click below for a chart that compares different types of countertops. Wishing you the best!

https://www.greatlakesgm.com/education/stone-countertop-comparisons/

Here's another one that might be of interest to you.

https://386pi93aw2ue2e92ft226yx2-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Consumer_Reports_Countertop_Ratings.pdf

Marble looks like the stone marble usually white with gray patterns.... can also be black backround with green veins etc.

Granite has smaller crystals in it and comes in a wide array of colors.

Quartz counters are usually more white with sparkly tiny crystal inclusions.

I would visit a tile or stone store to see what the various types look like.

As to leather, as a decorative painter myself, I've done walls but never a countertop..... I would be sure to give it an epoxy bar top pour or many layers of a non-yellowing clear coat.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehTxI0_2ReQ

Marble and granite are both natural stones. Marble is softer than granite and can need sealing once a year... it is also more susceptible to staining from things like red wine or coffee (light colors) and can be damaged by soaps or chemical cleaners. Quartz is a man made product by combining granite dust with an epoxy .... it is very durable, not prone to staining, and will last better for an active family. Quartz comes in many colors and even in finishes that look like marble. If you do not want a polished finish on your counter tops you may want to consider a "honed" finish... not shiny but not as textured as the leather finish.

THE BEST THING FOR YOU TO DO is to visit a granite or stone yard... they can give you the best education on the different types of solid surface counter tops... and the pros and cons of each...

Here's an excellent comparison chart I've found helpful: http://usenaturalstone.com/countertop-comparison-chart/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAoY7VBRDtARIsAHWoO-JcFk9m9ScsoCXN_BdZNmhs4aoaKmRDuH4Go6oIvZSBrdsLH78d-R8aAmSdEALw_wcB

I was told that granite can scratch easily; like you don't want to cut on it, but then who would? Oh, probably my kids or husband. ( hahaha) I've seen some pretty impressive concrete countertops out there, some are pretty artsy, having built in light, buffed and stained...